When a time code signal corresponding to an image signal, to which a
format conversion changing the number of frames per second is executed,
is transmitted, information indicating a frame position where image data
is changed through the format conversion in the image signal is attached
to the time code signal to be transmitted. Alternatively, information
indicating a synchronous state between frame conversion cycles in the
format conversion and time code progression is attached to the time code
signal. In the foregoing manner, a relationship between the frame
position and the time code can be accurately grasped. Further, a
secondary conversion (inverse conversion) is accurately executed to the
image signal by means of the time code signal.